Reservo interval determination in an ink jet system

Abstract

Optimal reservoing times of an ink jet printer are determined to be when an optimal time period exceeds a fixed maximum value, where the optimal time period is proportional: to the time since last reservoing, to the usage, and to the square of temperature changes. Specifically, the optimal time period, t-opt, is t-opt=T+mC+kKK where T=time since last reservoing, C=usage value, K=temperature changes, and m,k=empirically-determined constants.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for improving the efficiency of operation of an ink jet printing system comprising the steps of: adjusting initially the operating parameters of the system prior to operation;   determining, while the system is operating, the optimal time period between system parameter readjustments;   readjusting the operating parameters of the system in accordance with the determined time period; and   repeating the determining and readjusting steps during system use.   
     
     
       2. The method of claim 1 wherein the determining step includes a step of: calculating said optimal time period (t-opt) as T+mC+kK'2.   
     
     
       3. The method of claim 2 including the step of presetting a maximum reservoing interval value; wherein the determining step includes the step of comparing the maximum reservoing interval value to the optimal time period; and   wherein the readjusting step is performed only if said optimal time period is greater than or equal to said maximum reservoing interval value.